The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes roaring back to life sporting a honking-big V-8 engine and a serious case of nose-thumbing attitude.

Consider this big family sedan a 21-gun salute to a bygone era when full-size North American family sedans could be optioned with a surplus of tire-smoking grunt that made their normally buttoned-down drivers smile gleefully from ear to ear while the neighbors simply ran for cover.

The Charger is no anomaly, but part of a family of SRT8-branded vehicles for the 2012 model year that also includes the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee. They form what is one of the widest arrays of all-out performance machinery available anywhere.

Compared to the previous SRT8, this one bares its teeth in a more menacing fashion. The basic Charger underwent a 2011 refit that gave it a sleeker and more aggressive look, improved road manners and a new base V-6. The SRT8 expands on this theme with a distinctive blacked-out mesh grille and unique hood that directs hot air from the engine compartment. In back, a set of 4-inch-diameter exhaust tips protrude from beneath the bumper. Perhaps the most obvious SRT8 feature is its very distinctive 20-inch (and 9-inch-wide) polished aluminum wheels that really set this beast apart from mainstream Chargers. Overall the SRT8′s more exaggerated appearance is totally in keeping with the sedan’s potent capabilities.

The Dodge’s actual potency has been significantly enhanced for 2012. The previous 2010 SRT8 (a 2011 version was never offered) generated 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque from a 6.1-liter “Hemi” V-8. What’s now being served up is a 6.4-liter (392-cubic-inch) Hemi that serves up a whopping 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. What’s more, a significant amount of that torque now kicks in below the 3,000-rpm range to help enhance the car’s off-the-line scoot.

The SRT’s development team will brag that the chunky 4,365-pound Charger can hustle to 60 mph from a dead stop in “the high four-second range” and is capable of a 175-mph top speed.

To haul the big, bad Dodge down in a hurry, there are front and rear Brembo-brand four-piston brake calipers and a special underbody ducting that helps keeps the brakes cooler and more fade-resistant.

Directing all that power to the rear wheels is a five-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using the console-placed Auto Stick, or with the new-for-2012 flappy-paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel.

To try and keep the SRT8′s premium gas habit with an acceptable range, the engine comes with an enhanced version of Chrysler’s deactivation technology that now cuts out half of the cylinders over a wider rpm range for an estimated 25 percent increase in highway fuel economy (about 24 mpg).

On the road, the SRT8 makes its presence known with an active exhaust system that sings an unmistakable exhaust tune under hard acceleration, but keeps the noise down in cruise mode.

The inside is also a quiet and comfortable place with well-bolstered front seats covered in soft leather with perforated heated and ventilated suede inserts for maximum posterior grip. In addition, the full-color information display is part of a reshaped dashboard. Its features include timers that can compute zero-to-60 mph plus one-eighth and quarter-mile times, 60 mph-to-zero distances and both lateral and longitudinal g-forces (acceleration, stopping and cornering). It might seem out of place, or even ridiculous, but there’s an “eco” light that indicates when the SRT is in the state using the least amount of fuel possible. Just in case you were wondering.

For added passenger entertainment, the SRT8 comes with a premium Harmon Kardon sound system that resonates through a total of 19 speakers (including five subwoofers).

Needless to say, the $42,000 (estimated) SRT8′s performance and creature comforts would amaze its Hemi Charger ancestors. That a car like this even exists in this day and age is perhaps the most amazing fact of all.

For more than 70 years, Mopar made its name on race tracks and in the parts departments of Chrysler dealerships.

Well, actually Mopar took its trademarked name from a contraction of MOtor and PARts, but the name became well-known and well-respected among hands-on car enthusiasts as the source for parts and accessories that made their cars look good and go fast.

A year ago, the name was applied to a turnkey vehicle, the Mopar ’10 Challenger, a limited-edition of 500 Mopar-tweaked — and for the first time right on the assembly line — Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger R/T muscle cars.

Those 500 Mopar ’10 Challengers were sold out within hours of their unveiling. The program was so successful that Mopar decided to do another vehicle for the 2011 model year. This time, the vehicle would be the new Dodge Charger. Mopar expected as many as 1,000 customers and had to cut off orders after 1,500 were ordered within two days of being offered. Each car was priced at $39,750 (including delivery).

All Mopar ’11 Chargers wear Pitch Black paint with a Mopar Blue racing stripe from the grille back over the hood, the roof, the deck lid and the special rear spoiler.

But this stripe isn’t merely an exterior feature. The stripe runs through the car’s interior as part of the Katzkin leather-covered driver’s and left-rear passenger’s seats.

The interior gets special dash treatments, door sills, floor mats, pedals and a pistol-grip shift lever so the driver can explore all the potential of the 5.7-liter, 370-horsepower Hemi V-8 with its 395 pound-feet of torque.

Enhancing that experience is a “Super Track Pak” that includes larger front and rear stabilizer bars with braces across the front and rear shock towers. The rear brace runs through the car’s trunk, but can be removed should an owner need that space for luggage.

The Mopar ’11 Charger rides on special 20-inch Envy wheels with a 45-mm offset and 245/45-aspect, Z-rated Goodyear F1 Supercar tires.

Add in a 3.91:1 final-drive ratio, and Mopar says its Charger can accelerate from a standing start to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, a full second faster than the standard 5.7-powered Charger.

To slow the car toward zero, front brakes are 345×28 mm with dual-piston sliding calipers while the rears are 320/22 with single-piston calipers.

Each vehicle comes with a special owners kit that includes a keychain; license plate-size plaque the features the car’s specifications and is designed to use at car shows; a Mopar flag; special set of photos; a drawing signed by the car’s designer; special Mopar heritage literature; and a die-cast scale model with the same serial number as the real car.

A special website is being established so Mopar ’10 Challenger and Mopar ’11 Charger owners can interact.

In several cases, Mopar ’10 Challenger owners also are owners of Mopar ’11 Chargers, and it’s likely that those Challenger and/or Charger owners will get first dibs on ordering whatever model Mopar tweaks for the 2012 model year.

(P.S. We not only got to see a Mopar ’11 Challenger during a visit to Mopar’s workshop in Center Line, we got to do a test drive and found the car tire-smoking fast, stayed flat around corners and freeway ramps and was
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110908/AUTO03/109080331/Mopar-muscles-up-2011-Chargers#ixzz1Xi80qL00

Completing a 60-day evaluation of the 2011 Dodge Durango, autoMedia.com showcases their results in an online video segment for consumers to view. Impressed with its great new styling and overall performance, the 2011 Durango turned out to be a well-designed SUV with a lot of positives going for it.

The test vehicle, a totally redesigned 2011 Durango Crew all-wheel drive with the CrewLux package and a V6 engine, proved it can stand its ground in a market segment crowded with competitors—offering a combination of performance, luxury and utility that’s hard to beat.

The 2011 Durango comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety features and several optional ones like the Forward Collision Warning System which is extremely helpful in city driving. With all the technology upgrades offered, the Durango offers an impressive level of driver awareness and confidence, particularly in busy urban areas.

autoMedia’s Technical Editor, Sam Hubinette, remarked “Dodge’s efforts on chassis tuning pay off with a level of handling agility and ride comfort that you don’t expect in an SUV this size.”

Consumers can view the online video describing in more detail the results from the test drive review of the new 2011 Durango at autoMedia.com.

Next up is Dodge’s C-segment 4 door sedan, taking over from the Caliber, and filling the gap vacated by the Neon, this has to hit hard against Civic, Corolla, Cruze, Golf, etc. Derived from the C-EVO platform, along with the Fiat Bravo, Alfa Milano, and others, the Hornet, regardless of name, will be built at Belvidere, and will debut in Detroit in January 2012 (possibly in New York in April 2012). Mopar once had a huge share of this segment but mis-steps even before DBAG slashed their sales and credibility to the point where most people have forgotten

2013 Dodge Hornet

Dodge’s entry level model is a B-segment hatch smaller than Civic Si or VW GTI, but with enough attitude to hit against those models.  This model will most likely be a rework of Fiat’s Grande Punto Abarth or the Alfa MiTo. (Editor’s note: This model would be a reskinned and possibly somewhat retuned Fiat design quite possibly made in Europe It may have been dropped as being too close to 500.)

2013 Dodge Stinger

Concluding a 60-day assessment of the 2011 Dodge Avenger, autoMedia.com is providing consumers highlights of the results in an online video segment. Dodge did a substantial rework of its midsize 2011 Avenger sedan. Its reengineered suspension has moved the Avenger upmarket—giving it a more sophisticated feel.

The test vehicle, an Avenger Heat, with a standard Pentastar V6 engine and six-speed autostick automatic transmission, demonstrated its power delivery is progressive and enthusiastic but surprisingly remains very competitive in fuel economy.

Now one of the quieter cars in its class, the Avenger’s transformation to 2011 has been remarkable. Dodge addressed key weaknesses in convincing fashion to turn it into a competitive midsize sedan that should easily appeal to a broader range of customers.

Sam Hubinette, autoMedia’s Technical Editor, noted “The Avenger also has a considerable roster of safety features, plus the bragging rights of being named a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick.”

Consumers can see the online video segment detailing the results from the road test review of the new 2011 Avenger at autoMedia.com.

In the market for a red, white and blue light rack for your police-uprated 2012 Dodge Charger? Chrysler’s Mopar accessories brand has a few one-stop shopping options for cops, thanks to a series of new road-ready option packages available for the Charger Pursuit.

Typically, cop cars leave the factory in a semi-completed state. While automakers add features (i.e. heavy-duty cooling systems, upgraded brake and suspension components, etc.) to appease law enforcement officers, the police-spec cars are still devoid of some specialized equipment. Traditionally, police forces buy vehicles from the OEM, and then ship them to an independent company, which then installs light bars, sirens, push bumpers, interior partitions, and so on.

Mopar, however, is seeking to cut out the middleman — or, at the very least, reduce the number of steps needed to order a ready-to-run police cruiser. In partnership with Crown North America — an upfitter located close to the Charger’s assembly line in Brampton, Ontario — Mopar offers six packages that add the necessary equipment to complete the vehicle.

Mopar’s base package includes a bespoke wiring harness, a power distribution center, a slide-out trunk tray, a cooling fan for any trunk-mounted electrical accessories, and a 100-watt siren. From there, buyers can pick from five different quick-order packages — two of which do without lightbars, perfect for unmarked applications — that add various combinations of exterior lights, push bumpers, and other accessories. If those don’t offer the particular hardware an agency desires, Mopar also offers another 24 standalone options at additional cost.

These packages don’t change how the equipment is installed — these items are still added after the car itself is built — but it does offer a few advantages to customers. Not only does this streamline the ordering process, but it also protects the add-on equipment with a 3-year/ 36,000-mile warranty.

Source: Dodge

Pennzoil initiated a a new game for everybody who want to win a Penske Racing-inspired 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. This game is called “Join the Pursuit” sweepstakes and, if you think that you are a lucky guy, then don’t hesitate in entering the race.

Dodge Pennzoil Challenger

However, we’re not here to talk about contests and games with all kind of prizes, but we’re interested in this prize. No, we do not want to win the prize, nor to compete, but we want to present details of this one of a kind car. The Penske Racing-inspired 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is a truly unique vehicle that was custom-built by Chrysler’s own Street and Racing Technology Group.

This car is offered with a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb/ft of torque. Still, ramain a custom car, considering that it comes with its own unique dual-finish black paint scheme, a new custom cat-back exhaust system, a new set of 20″ alloy wheels, leather seats with accent stitching, and a plethora of Pennzoil and Penske Racing badges.

If you’re interested in this sweepstakes, you have to head to your nearest Pennzoil oil change location or Pennzoil.com to get a ticket or a code. Enter that code online and you’re in.

Chrysler’s newest technology to improve performance and fuel economy is their segment exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, hitting the market in for model-year 2012. At first, it will be offered in the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and recently, we had a chance to log a few miles in the 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop equipped with the 292hp V6 and the new 8-speed transmission.

The 8-speed automatic transmission comes with the innovative news touch-shifter on the console with manual shift control included by means of Chrysler’s new steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. This paddle shift system made its debut recently in the high performance SRT lineup but when these new 8-speed models begin reaching dealerships around the country, this will mark the first application of the Chrysler paddle shifters on a non-performance model…supposing that you don’t consider the 292 horsepower Dodge Charger a performance model.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Lots of automakers offer some form of steering wheel mounted shift control ranging from F1-style paddles to buttons mounted in the back of the steering wheel spokes, but with their new paddle shift system, Chrysler has done it 100% right. They have used metal for the shift paddles with a sleek, smooth finish that adds a great look and feel with plenty of accessibility under hard cornering. (The SRT8 has the + and – signs filled in with black paint, while the V6 uses unpainted impressions.)

Some paddle systems leave you hunting for the paddles when you get to crossing over your hands for shifting under hard cornering but that is not the case with the Chrysler paddle system with the ergonomically perfect levers making for quick, smooth shifts. The paddle shift system from Chrysler mated to the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission looks great and performs even better.

The other component of the new Chrysler 8-speed automatic transmission is the unique console mounted shifter that uses a “slapstick” motion rather than the traditional shifter movement. The low profile shifter bears a similar shape to the old school slapstick shifter and rather than the normal PRNDL pattern, the 8-speed automatic shifter has just Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive/Sport mode. When you get in the car and fire it up, the shifter is located in the middle of the shift console and when you pull it back to move into reverse, it clicks into gear as indicated on the dash but the shifter does not stay in place – instead returning back to the middle position. As you shift from Reverse into Neutral and then into Drive or Sport, the shifter clicks through the gears but always returns to the center position of the shift console.

The driver information center keeps you updated as to what gear you are in since the shifter does not but should you get confused and try to shift “past” the Park or Sport shift modes, the information center nicely reminds you what gear the transmission is in. Also, much like the slapstick shifter consoles of the original muscle car era, the 2012 Dodge Charger with the 8-speed automatic transmission features a minimalistic shift console with the small shifter surrounded in a flat carbon fiber panel.

In the long run, the goal of Chrysler’s 8-speed transmission was to be able to combine aggressive gear ratios for the lower gears to bolster torque multiplication and low end acceleration while also offering very fuel economy friendly higher gears to improve the MPGs of this sporty sedan when cruising on the open road. The problem is that the average American consumer seems to frown upon the idea of an 8-speed transmission, believing that they will spend their time complaining about how often the transmission shifts but having spent time soaring around Chrysler’s test track in Chelsea Michigan, I was blown away at the smoothness of the new ZF 8-speed automatic.

Under normal driving circumstances, such as accelerating away from a stop sign like you would on the open road up to a cruising speed of 55mph, the ZF-designed Chrysler 8-speed is seamless in normal Drive mode and you can barely tell when the transmission is shifting. Once you have gotten to a smooth cruising speed of 55 to 70mph and the transmission has gotten through the gears, the extremely low RPM range allows for minimal amounts of fuel consumption on the open road. However, unlike some traditional transmissions that use non-aggressive gear ratios to bolster fuel economy, the Chrysler 8-speed has plenty of gearing to get the 2012 Charger with the 3.6L V6 from 0-60 in a hurry – as well as allowing the Pentastar to do a pretty impressive smokey burnout.

On the other hand, if you want manual control of the 8-speed Chrysler transmission for some spirited driving fun (or more smokey burnouts), you can pop the slapstick shifter into Sport Shift mode at which point the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters take over. From there on, the driver has full control of the upshifts and the transmission only downshifts when necessary to prevent the engine RPMs from dropping too low. Under most driving conditions, your hands don’t need to leave the 10 and 2 positions so the paddles are in ideal areas for quick shifts during sporty driving situations and when using the manual shift mode while exercising all 292 horsepower, the shifts are much more positive – like you would expect from a modern sports sedan.

Based on my time behind the wheel of the 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop equipped with the 292hp Pentastar V6 and the new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, it is clear that this new gearbox does a great job of combining a sporty driving experience with high fuel economy. The sport shift mode allows the driver a more engaging driving experience and when left in Drive mode, the new transmission works through the gears with no notice of the high number of shifts.

Chrysler “broke the rules” once again with the introduction of an 8-speed automatic transmission to the passenger car segment but once consumers see and accept this great system, we can expect other automakers operating in the US offering similar technology. However, with being the first to introduce the 8-speed automatic the Pentastar V6 is made even more efficient in the beautifully redesigned Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

UBURN HILLS, Michigan — Dodge has cut the price of the base 2012 Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey and Dodge Durango — but not the base 2012 Dodge Charger or 2012 Dodge Challenger.The new 2012 Dodge Journey American Value package starts at $19,795, including an $800 destination charge, reflecting a $3,200 drop over the 2011 Dodge Journey Express. The 2011 Dodge Journey Express starts at $22,995, including a $750 destination charge.

The 2012 Dodge Charger starts at $26,320, including an $825 destination charge, reflecting a $100 increase over the 2011 base model. The 2011 Dodge Charger SE starts at $26,220, including an $825 destination charge.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT starts at $25,820, including an $825 destination charge, reflecting a $100 price increase over the outgoing model. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SE starts at $25,720, including an $825 destination charge.

The 2012 Dodge Durango starts at $29,845, including an $850 destination charge, reflecting a $200 price decrease over the outgoing model. The 2011 Dodge Durango Express starts at $30,045, including an $850 destination charge.

The 2012 Dodge Avenger starts at $19,745, including a $750 destination charge, reflecting a $250 price decrease over the outgoing model. The 2011 Dodge Avenger Express starts at $19,995, including a $750 destination charge.

Chrysler announced pricing on its 2012 SRT8 lineup earlier this summer.

Inside Line says: No break on those Dodge muscle cars for 2012.